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Published Apr 20, 2014

HTC One M8 Google Play Edition Review!

Marques Brownlee reviews the HTC One M8 Google Play Edition, diving into its distinct features and performance, while comparing it to the standard model. He examines its strengths as a daily driver and explores how the stock Android experience paired with HTC's hardware appeals to Android enthusiasts.
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  • Hardware

    The HTC One M8 Google Play Edition maintains the iconic all-metal design and robust specifications of its non-Google counterpart. The primary distinction lies in the absence of carrier branding, offering a cleaner aesthetic. highlights that the Google Play Edition runs stock Android 4.4.2 KitKat, promising quicker updates compared to the regular M8 1. This version provides a Nexus-like experience while retaining HTC's unique features through apps available on the Play Store 1.

    So on the outside, this Google Play edition is the exact same as the other version. It's got that same legendary all metal design, same awesome specs, and it's still built like a bow.

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    The device supports the Dot View case, IR blaster, and duo camera system, ensuring functionality with HTC's ecosystem 1.

       

    Software

    The Google Play Edition of the HTC One M8 offers a pure Android experience, free from the bloatware typical of carrier versions. explains that this model benefits from the simplicity and speed of stock Android, using less RAM and storage than HTC Sense 2. Despite its minimalist approach, it retains compatibility with HTC's apps and services, ensuring users don't miss out on key features 1.

    You also use a little bit less of the RAM than you would from HTC sense, and you get an overall really snappy, buttery, beautiful experience.

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    Motion Launch Gestures, such as double-tap to wake, enhance usability, making the Google Play Edition a compelling choice for Android purists 2.

       

    Camera

    The camera on the HTC One M8 Google Play Edition introduces both limitations and new possibilities. While it lacks the HTC-specific camera app, it utilizes the Google Camera app, offering features like lens blur for creative photography 1. notes that users can still access HTC's photo editing tools, such as uFocus and Foregrounder, through the Google Photos editor 1.

    It's rocking that new Google Camera app in the Play store for all devices running Android four four kitkat and above.

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    However, slow-motion video recording and depth sensor warnings are not supported, requiring users to adjust their photography habits 1.

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